What Does ‘Ah’ Mean For Lithium Batteries?

When shopping for new battery packs or examining the batteries that you already have, it’s normal for the different words, letters, numbers, and symbols to come across as slightly overwhelming. You may notice different voltages, kilowatt capacities, wattages, and other helpful information intended to give you a better idea of your battery’s capabilities. You may see “Ah” on a battery and ask yourself what it means on lithium-ion batteries. BigBattery is here to explain the meaning behind this term, how it affects your battery, and what ranges you may want to look for.

What Does ‘Ah’ Mean?

The short and simple answer is that “Ah” stands for “amp-hour” or “ampere-hour.” The general idea behind the amp-hour is to give consumers a rough idea of the length of a charge cycle for a battery. For example, a 4Ah battery should last twice as long as a 2Ah battery. Because many extenuating circumstances can speed or slow the rate at which a battery drains, such as external temperatures, the amount of time you get from a full charge may not always be the same.

Does A Higher Ah Mean More Power?

When looking at what ‘Ah’ means on lithium-ion batteries, some people may wonder if a higher number means the battery puts out more power. Since the amp-hour generally refers to charge capacity, two batteries with different amp-hours may put out the same power for different lengths of time.

What Size Amp-Hour Should You Look For?

Deciding which amp-hour works best for your battery depends on the type of battery you get and how long you plan to use it before recharging. For example, a 48-volt lithium golf cart battery could have 28Ah or 61Ah. If you use your cart for an extended period, you may want to invest in a battery with a high ampere-hour.

BigBattery is here to help you learn more about lithium-ion battery packs for golf carts, forklifts, RVs, and more. We have several products for all your needs. Please contact us anytime with your questions, comments, or concerns, and a member of our team will be happy to get you started.